Coal Utilization in a Carbon Policy Uncertain World-the North America Situation

摘要

@@ Both the United State of America and Canada has very high CO2/capita emission: 16.53 tonnes for Canada and 18.38 for the U.S.while the world average is at 4.39 and China at 4.91.Canadian economy is heavily intertwined with that of the U.S.: the cross board trading between the U.S.and Canada is valued at more than $2 billion/day. The United State of America is one of the most important coal users in the world and one the key player in climate change issue. Currently, there are about 700 operating coal fired power plants in the U.S.of which one third are more than 40 years old.In recent years,about two-thirds of the planned new coal fired plants has been cancelled2.It is also interesting to point out,according to NETL, that since 2000 there are 23 PC subcritical and 10 CFB new coal fired power in operation,yet only 2 supercritical PC plants.Clearly this indicates that investment for high efficiency unit has long been seen as more expensive and risk in the U.S.where coal is an inexpensive fuel.